Mrs. Eleanor "Ellie" Dietrich

Mrs. Eleanor “Ellie” Dietrich died peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Mt. Greylock Extended Care Facility in Pittsfield, after a long, rich, and dynamic life of 102 years. She was born Eleanor Melissa Buckler on May 7, 1923, to Willard and Geraldine Buckler, and grew up in a cottage on Highlawn Farm in Stockbridge. While she and her sister Barbara shared a childhood in the midst of the Great Depression, Eleanor often spoke of the joy they found in the fields and woods on the verdant Highlawn acreage, and the sweet taste of honey procured by their Dad, who was the farm’s beekeeper. Eleanor attended Williams High School in Stockbridge, from which she graduated in 1942. She then attended the Henry W. Bishop Memorial Training School for Nurses in Pittsfield, obtaining a certificate as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). It was during this period that Eleanor was introduced to Pittsfield native John “Jack” Dietrich, who in no short order claimed her heart, followed by her hand in marriage in 1944. For a brief period after their marriage, Eleanor worked as a laboratory assistant at the General Electric Plant in Pittsfield, but with the birth of their first child, she and John moved to the Buckler family home on West Street, where four children were raised, countless memories made, and rich family traditions woven into the fabric of the following 66 years. While home and family were a priority for Eleanor, nursing always held a special place in her heart. Occasionally working nights as a private nurse while the children were still at home, Eleanor eventually accepted a permanent position as an infirmary nurse at Berkshire Place in Pittsfield, where she shared warmth, skill, and compassion with “her ladies” for 16 years. Eleanor was a member of South Congregational Church, and actively supported the local community through her participation in Call to Care and the Christian Center Auxiliary. She belonged to the church’s May Matoon Women’s group and was a proud member of the Red Hat Society. As well, Eleanor served as a Matron in the Order of the Eastern Star and was an active member of the PEO Sisterhood. In later years, Eleanor and John became patrons of Cheshire’s Country Charm Restaurant, enjoying not just delicious meals, but the camaraderie of staff and fellow diners. Eleanor had a dramatic streak, and delighted in dressing up in costume for dining on Halloween. She could be depended upon to deliver trademark seasonal spirit on occasions throughout the year. At home, Eleanor enjoyed the occasional game of Scrabble with her children or grandchildren, and woe to the player who underestimated her competitive spirit; she took no prisoners. Eleanor loved British sitcoms, and Friday nights were devoted to watching the classics As Time Goes By and Keeping up Appearances. If you happened to be visiting, ice cream always accompanied the comedy. Eleanor was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John A. Dietrich; her sister, Barbara (Buckler) Kiley; her granddaughter, Rebecca Tatro; and her son-in-law, Walter Gowey. She is survived by her four children, Jeri Galletly (Wayne), Jon Dietrich (Deborah), Barbara Dietrich, and Todd Dietrich (Tammy). She is also survived by eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. Funeral Notice: Family and friends meant the world to Eleanor. All are invited to join in a celebration of life at the United Church of Christ, 110 South St, Pittsfield, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Family and friends will be greeted in the Church narthex beginning at 10:45 am before an 11:30 am service. A private interment ceremony will be held at the Pittsfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eleanor’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or South Community Food Pantry in Pittsfield, MA, in care of the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home, 220 East St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Mrs. Eleanor "Ellie" Dietrich

May 7, 1923 - April 20, 2026